James Wadell, son of Forest and Alice (Ford) Fender, was born August 17, 1939, at the home farm near Carson, Iowa. He graduated from Macedonia High School and went on to take trade school classes. Jim also taught himself through the years how to fix just about anything.
On June 21, 1959, Jim was united in marriage with Sharon Jo Boruff and their union was blessed with four children: Scott, Shellie, Lori and Sonya. The family lived in Carson, Macedonia, Oakland and Carroll through the years. Jim held many jobs, however working as a mechanic was both his vocation and his hobby. Jim loved playing the accordian as he loved music. Later in life Jim and Sharon enjoyed winters in Texas and summers at the Woodland Campground. Jim’s quiet nature could not hide his deep integrity and belief in hard work – qualities he passed on to his family. He always put everyone else ahead of himself.
Jim battled COPD for decades with a sense of humor and a constant smile. He and Sharon moved to Manilla in 2016 to be near family. With his wife and family’s care he enjoyed a wonderful quality of life. James died at home in Manilla on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at the age of 79 years, 11 months and 7 days.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law Miko Butler; and three brothers and their wives: Stanley and Mabyn, Edwin “Eddie” and Marilyn and Darell and Diana.
Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years Sharon Fender of Manilla; children: Scott (Debbie) Fender of Manilla; Shellie Butler (the late Miko) of Carroll; Lori Smith (special friend Mark Turner) of Oakland; Sonya (Jason) Gardner of Oakland; 12 grandchildren; 15 great- grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Officiating
Reverend Terry McClain
Vocalist
Sue Brown
Guest Book
Gary and Betty Aukland
Ushers
Michael Boruff and Rick Fender
Flower Attendants
Sara Holst, Nicole Steineke & Beth Newman
Casket Bearers
Matthew Fender Jeremy Fender
Steven Butler Mark Butler Dakota Smith
Dustin Smith Sam Louderback
Honorary Casket Bearers
Slade Gardner Roger West
Kenny Love Garry Reed Denny Sutton
Tim Boruff Chris Boruff
Interment
Wheeler Grove Cemetery
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